Further to previous updates regarding the Public Service Pay Agreement I now wish to advise you that, on 25th October 2017, the Chairman of the Public Service Pay Commission – Mr. Kevin Duffy, wrote to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Public Services Committee, confirming that Terms of Reference were now received from the government and that the Public Service Pay Commission was about to commencing its work. This letter can be accessed here.

This letter confirms that the Commission proposes to carry out its work in two modules. Module One will report in relation to the priority areas of nursing and midwifery, consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors by the end of June 2018. The Chairman goes on to advise that the Commission is seeking evidence based submissions from parties to the agreement in line with the Terms of Reference set for the Commission. The terms of reference can be accessed here.

The submissions are requested to be submitted no later than 29th November 2017. The INMO has a body of research which has been prepared and updates in respect of staffing levels, recruitment and retention issues and difficulties, currently being collated. It is our intention to have a very detailed, evidence based, report which will be submitted to the Commission, supporting our long-held view that:

all non-pay measures relating to recruitment and retention or nursing and midwifery staff have been exhausted;

the outstanding issue that has never been addressed is the correction of the pay and hours anomaly; and

clearly, when all else fails the government now must look at correcting the pay and hours in order to ensure a workforce of nursing and midwifery staff, that meets the needs of the Irish public health service into the future.

2. Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report on projections on demands for healthcare in Ireland 2015-2030.

As members are aware the INMO welcomed this publication by the ESRI. This was a very lengthy and detailed piece of research, which clearly identified a growing need, for acute beds within our public health service, up to 2030. In addition, long term care facilities for our aging population will also need to be increased significantly. This report also notes the staffing implications for the public health service which was welcomed by the INMO. The INMO’s press release on this report can be accessed here.

3. Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Legislation

As members are aware the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020 was approved by INMO members and the majority of ICTU public service members and this was notified to government.

On Tuesday, 7th November 2017, the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Pascal Donohoe TD, published the Public Service Pay and Pensions Bill 2017 which gives effect to the agreement.

All details in respect of the pay measures, the additional superannuation contributions for those retiring up to 2020 with pre and post service of 2012, are set out in this document as is the government’s intention in relation to those who do not sign up to the agreement.

The Bill provides for less favourable terms for public servants who are not covered by the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 – 2020. As INMO members have accepted the agreement the full benefits will apply to nurses and midwives.

Conclusion

The INMO focus currently is on the content and detail of the submission being prepared for the Public Service Pay Commission. This INMO document will be submitted by the 29th November as requested and circulated to members for information. If members have questions or queries in respect of any of the matters set out in this update, please do not hesitate to contact our Information Office or your local Industrial Relations Officer.